Our Team

Since receiving his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1979, Terry LaPorte has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. In 1982, he established the LaPorte Law Firm in Northern California, specializing in Social Security Disability law. For over 40 years, Terry and the LaPorte Law Firm team have successfully represented thousands of clients in California and the Western States.

Throughout his career, Terry has continued to develop his expertise in various ways, such as attaining the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification and serving on the Board of Examiners of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, a provider attorney to the American Association of Retired Persons, and a seven-time Chair of the Social Security section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as a lecturer on disability law for the Continuing Education Program of the California Bar Association and for many community, legal, and support organizations.

Terry has received numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to individuals with disabilities and others in need in our community, including:

• The Santa Clara County Bar Association Pro Bono Services Award
• The Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association Community Service Award
• The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley’s Philip J. Berelson Award for Generous Philanthropy
• Chapter Programs Partner of the Year and Social Security Attorney of the Year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Client Distinction Award by Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com (fewer than 4% of over 900,000 attorneys listed on Martindale.com and Lawyers.com have been awarded this distinction)
• Acknowledgement of dedication to the disabled by the California State Bar’s Consumer Business Review, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and the Pro Bono Project of Santa Clara County
• Named a top Northern California attorney in Super Lawyers
• Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly
  
  

Terry is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court.